Example Candidate Responses: Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625

Example Candidate Responses
Paper 6
Cambridge IGCSE™
Physics 0625
Version 2.0
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Copyright © UCLES 2017

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Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Assessment at a glance..................................................................................................................................... 6
Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical ...................................................................................................................... 7
Question 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Question 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Question 3 ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Question 4 ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Question 5 ................................................................................................................................................... 32
Example Candidate Responses: Paper 6
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching IGCSE Physics (0625), and to
show how different levels of candidates’ performance (high, middle and low) relate to the subject’s
curriculum and assessment objectives.
In this booklet candidate responses have been chosen to exemplify a range of answers. Each response is
accompanied by a brief commentary explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the answers.
For each question, response is annotated with clear explanation of where and why marks were awarded or
omitted. This, in turn, followed by examiner comments on how the answer could have been improved. In this
way it is possible for you to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and what they will
have to do to improve their marks. At the end there is a list of common mistakes candidates made in their
answers for each question.
This document provides illustrative examples of candidate work. These help teachers to assess the standard
required to achieve marks, beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Some question types where the
answer is clear from the mark scheme, such as short answers and multiple choice, have therefore been
omitted.
The questions, mark schemes and pre-release material used here are available to download from the School
Support Hub. These files are:
Question Paper 3, June 2016

Question paper 0625_s16_qp_31.pdf
Mark scheme 0620_s16_ms_31.pdf

Question Paper 5, November 2016

Question paper 0620_w16_qp_52.pdf
Mark scheme 0620_w16_ms_52.pdf

Other past papers, Examiner Reports and other teacher support materials are available on the School
Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
4 Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

How to use this booklet
Examiner
annotations: Each
response is annotated
with clear explanation
of where and why
marks were awarded or
omitted. In this way it is
possible for you to
understand what
candidates have done
Answers by real candidates in exam to gain their marks.
conditions. These show you the types of
answers for each level.
Discuss and analyse the answers with

your learners in the classroom to
improve their skills.
Examiner comments This explains how the

candidate could have improved the answer.
This helps you to interpret the standard of
Cambridge exams and helps your learners to
refine exam technique.
Common mistakes a list of common mistakes

candidates made in their answers for each
question.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 5

Assessment at a glance
Teachers are reminded that the latest syllabus is available on our public website at
www.cambridgeinternational.org and the School Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support

Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical
Question 1
Example candidate response – high Examiner comments
1 The candidate measures and

records the length correctly.
1 Mark awarded for (a) =

1 out of 1
2 The values of extension have

been successfully calculated.
2
Mark awarded for (b) (i) =
1 out of 1
3 3 The suggested procedure

contradicts the description of the
experiment.
Mark awarded for (b) (ii) =

0 out of 1

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments
4 The candidate draws a graph

with the axes the right way round
and correctly labels with a suitable
scale. The plotting is accurate but a
best-fit straight line has not been
drawn. A line joins each point to the
next.
Mark awarded for (c) = 3 out of 4
5 This is correct.
Mark awarded for (d) (i) =

5 1 out of 1
6 The method is clearly shown on

6 the graph and obtains a value for W
that is within the tolerance allowed
and gives the correct unit N.
Mark awarded for (d) (ii) =

2 out of 2
Total mark awarded =

8 out of 10
How the candidate could have improved the answer

The candidate needed to write a relevant precaution describing how to read the rule to obtain a reliable
reading.
The graph line should have been a best-fit straight line.

Example candidate response – middle Examiner comments
1 The candidate measures and

1 records the length correctly.
Mark awarded for (a) =

1 out of 1
2 The values of extension have

2 been correctly calculated.

1 out of 1
3 3 The candidate’s suggestion is

not a relevant precaution but a
vague statement about avoiding
carelessness.

0 out of 1

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments
4 The candidate draws a graph

with the axes the right way round
and correctly labels with a suitable
scale. The plotting is accurate but
the candidate does not draw a best-
fit straight line. The candidate
draws a line that joins each point to
the next.
Mark awarded for (c) =

3 out of 4
5 Extension has been calculated

correctly.
Mark awarded for (d) (i) =

1 out of 1
5
6 The candidate does not take a

reading of W at the point on the
graph where the extension
e = 17mm, but calculates the
gradient and then goes on to some
further calculations.
6

0 out of 2

6 out of 10

The candidate needed to write a relevant precaution describing how to read the rule to obtain a reliable
reading.
The graph line should have been a best-fit straight line.
The candidate needed to read the load from the graph at the point where the extension is 17 mm.

Example candidate response – low Examiner comments
1 This is correct.
Mark awarded for (a) (i) =

1 out of 1
1 2 The candidate does not

calculate the extension for each
value of the load but calculates the
change in extension for each value
of load.
2 Mark awarded for (b) (i) =

0 out of 1
3 The candidate makes a

comment about ‘the spring law’
instead of writing a precaution.
3
0 out of 1

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments
4 The candidate plots l/mm

against L/N instead of e/mm
against L/N as instructed in the
question. The axes are not labelled.
The first plot is missing and the line
is not a best-fit straight line.
Mark awarded for (c) =

0 out of 4
5 The extension is calculated

correctly.
4 Mark awarded for (d) (i) =
1 out of 1
6 In spite of plotting the wrong

graph, the candidate is able to use
the graph correctly to obtain a value
for W that is within the tolerance
allowed and gives the correct unit,
5 N.

2 out of 2
6
4 out of 10

The candidate should have understood what was meant by the extension of a spring to calculate the values
correctly.
A relevant precaution describing how to read the rule should have been used to obtain a reliable reading.
The candidate should have plotted extension on the y-axis of the graph and then plot all the points
accurately and draw a best-fit straight line.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question
• Writing a vague statement rather than a relevant precaution describing how to read the rule to obtain a
reliable reading.
• Making a poor judgement of the best-fit straight line on the graph.

Question 2
1 1 The candidate correctly marks

the distance x on Fig. 2.1.
Mark awarded for (a) = 1 out of 1
2 This is a good suggestion for

the change to Q.
2
Mark awarded for (b) = 1 out of 1
3 Exact balance has not been

addressed but the candidate writes
3 about precautions that are taken to
obtain accurate distance readings.

4 Clear diagram has been drawn

which explains the procedure well.
Mark awarded for (d) =

2 out of 2
4
5 Balancing the rule on the pivot

has been written correctly. The
alternative method, added
unnecessarily, is too complex and
not very practical but has not been
5 penalised.
Mark awarded for (e) =

1 out of 1

5 out of 6

(c) The candidate should have used the experience gained during the course to describe what was done in
this type of experiment. For example moving Q slowly one way until the rule just tips, then moving Q the
other way until the rule tips back and taking the reading between these two positions of Q.
(e) Although the candidate was awarded the mark, it would have been better to have written only about
balancing the rule on the pivot and not to add a second, rather impractical method.

1
1 The candidate shows the
distance to one edge of the cube,
not the centre.
2 This is a vague answer.
2 Mark awarded for (b) = 0 out of 1
3 The answer suggests repeating

the experiment several times and
3 taking the average.

4 The candidate indicates a

correct method but the response is
too vague to gain both marks.
4 Mark awarded for (d) =

1 out of 2
5 This is correct.
Mark awarded for (e) =

5 1 out of 1

3 out of 11

(a) The distance x to the centre of the block should have been shown.
(b) The candidate should have suggested an appropriate shape (e.g. a cube).
(d) Writing should have been clearer that the block width must be measured.

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments
1 1 The candidate does not mark

the distance x clearly.
2 This does not answer the

question.
2
3 The candidate correctly

suggests repeating the experiment
several times and taking the
3 average.

4 This does not answer the

4 question.
Mark awarded for (d) =

0 out of 2
5 This is correct.
5 Mark awarded for (e) =

1 out of 1

2 out of 6

(a) The candidate should have shown the distance x from the pivot to the centre of the block.
(b) An appropriate shape should have been suggested (e.g. a cube).
(c) The candidate needed to explain that the width of the cube must be measured and then the block
positioned so that half the width lays either side of the required position. A diagram makes it much easier for
the candidate to describe this.

Writing vague responses to parts (c) and (d). Candidates should realise that they are being asked to write
from their own experience of carrying out similar experiments during their course.

Question 3
Example Candidate Response – high Examiner comments
1 1 The calculation is correct.

Example Candidate Response – high, continued Examiner comments
3 The statement is correct and

the justification is clearly explained.

3
4 The candidate suggests two

sensible precautions.
4 Mark awarded for (d) = 2 out of 2
5 The candidate does not give a

convincing reason, showing a lack
of familiarity with this type of
5 experiment.
Mark awarded for (e) = 0 out of 1

6 out of 7

(e) The candidate should have explained that the image could appear equally well focused over a range of
lens positions.


2 The calculation is correct.

2
3 The candidate calculates

m1 × m2 correctly but does not state
that 0.97 is very close to 1 and
therefore the results support the
suggestion within the limits of
experimental accuracy.

3
4 Two sensible precautions are

suggested.
4 Mark awarded for (d) = 2 out of 2

experiment.
5
Mark awarded for (e) = 0 out 1

4 out of 7

(c) The candidate should have realised that the results support the suggestion within the limits of
(e) The candidate needed to show familiarity with this type of experiment by explaining that the image can
appear equally well focused over a range of lens positions.

Example Candidate Response – low Examiner comments

2 The calculation is correct but

not given to 2 or 3 significant
figures.
2 Mark awarded for (b) = 0 out of 1
3 The candidate does not state or

explain that the results support the
suggestion, within the limits of
4 These are alternative answers

for one correct response.
Mark awarded for (d) = 1 out of 2

4
experiment.
5

2 out of 7


(b) The answer should have been given to 2 or 3 significant figures.
(c) The candidate should have realised that the results support the suggestion within the limits of
(d) A second valid suggestion should have been made.
(e) Familiarity with this type of experiment should have been shown by explaining that the image can appear
equally well focused over a range of lens positions.

Failure to realise the significance of results being within the limits of experimental accuracy.
Writing vague responses to part (e). Candidates should realise that they are being asked to write from their
own experience of carrying out similar experiments during their course.

Question 4
1 1 The candidate draws a good

circuit diagram including the correct
circuit symbols.

2 2 The method includes taking

readings of current and potential
difference using at least five
different lengths.
The range of different lengths is
appropriate.
3
3 The candidate draws a suitable
table with headings for length,
current, potential difference and
resistance, each with the correct
unit.

6 out of 7

The candidate needed to state any key variables to control.

1 1 The candidate draws a

workable circuit diagram including
the correct circuit symbols.

2 2 The method does not include

taking readings of current and
potential difference using at least
five different lengths.
The candidate correctly suggests

that the cross-sectional area of the
wire is a variable that should be
kept constant.

4 out of 7

The candidate should have written a clear, brief method to include taking readings of current and voltage,
using five or more lengths of wire and suggesting a suitable range of different lengths. Also the candidate
should have drawn a table as specified in the question.

1 The candidate draws an

1
incomplete circuit, but the circuit
symbols are correct.

Example Candidate Response – low, continued Examiner comments
2 2 The candidate mentions taking

readings of current and voltage but
there are no other important
aspects of the method given.
The candidate does not state any

key variables to control.

2 out of 7

The candidate should have drawn a complete circuit then written a clear brief method including taking
readings of current and voltage, using five or more lengths of wire and suggesting a suitable range of
different lengths. Also the candidate should have drawn a table as specified in the question.
Any key variables to control should have been mentioned.

Writing a vague method that did not address the task set in the question, drawing an incomplete table (e.g.
with units missing) and missing out the description of key variables to control.

Question 5
1 The column headings are

1 correct.
2
2 The temperature reading is
correct.
Mark awarded for (a) (i) = 1 out of 1
Mark awarded for (a) (ii) =

1 out of 1

3 The candidate has not ticked

the first box.
Mark awarded for (b) (i) = 0 out of 1

3
4 The answer given in part (i) is

incorrect so the justification is also
incorrect.
4
0 out of 1
5 Two appropriate conditions that

should be kept constant have been
suggested.
5

sensible suggestion for the material
6 of the lid and gives a good reason
for the choice.

7 7 The candidate draws a clear

and correct diagram giving all the
necessary information – measuring
to the bottom of the meniscus and
viewing the scale at right angles.

8 out of 10

(b) The candidate needed to draw the correct conclusion from the results and then justify that conclusion.

1 1 The column headings are

2 correct.

correct.
Mark awarded for (a) (i) =

1 out of 1

1 out of 1

3 The first box should have been

ticked.

3 0 out of 1

incorrect.
4
Mark awarded for (b)(ii) = 0 out of 1
5 The candidate suggests one

appropriate condition (the initial
temperature of the water) that
5 should be kept constant.

sensible suggestion for the material
6 of the lid and gives a good reason
for the choice.

7 7 The candidate does not show

in the diagram or description how
to obtain a reliable reading for the
volume.

5 out of 10

(b) The correct conclusion should have been drawn from the results and then justified that conclusion.
(c) Second valid conclusion should have been stated.
(e) The candidate should have shown in the diagram or description how to obtain a reliable reading for the
volume.

1 1 The time unit is correct but the

2 candidate writes cm as the unit for
temperature.

correct.
Mark awarded for (a) (i) = 0 out of 1

1 out of 1

3 The candidate has not ticked

3 the correct box.
Mark awarded for (b) (i) = 0 out of 1

incorrect.
4
0 out of 1
5 The candidate suggests one

appropriate condition (room
temperature) that should be kept
5 constant.
6 The candidate does not suggest

a suitable material in the context of
6 the experiment in a school
laboratory.

7 The candidate does not show in

the diagram or description how to
obtain a reliable reading for the
7 volume.

3 out of 10

(a) The unit of temperature ºC was required.
(b) The candidate should have arrived at the correct conclusion from the results and then justify that
conclusion.
(c) Second valid condition was not stated.
(d) The candidate should have suggested a suitable material and reason, in the context of a school
laboratory.
(e) The candidate needed to show in the diagram or description how to obtain a reliable reading for the
volume.
• Drawing the wrong conclusion in part (b).
• Writing a vague answer for one of the conditions that should be kept the same.

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Copyright © UCLES September 2017

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Example Candidate Responses

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Copyright © UCLES 2017

Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical ...................................................................................................................... 7

Question Paper 3, June 2016

Question Paper 4, June 2016

Question Paper 5, November 2016

Question Paper 6, June 2016

4 Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

How to use this booklet

Discuss and analyse the answers with

Examiner comments This explains how the

Common mistakes a list of common mistakes

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 5

6 Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical

Example candidate response – high Examiner comments

1 The candidate measures and

1 Mark awarded for (a) =

2 The values of extension have

3 3 The suggested procedure

Mark awarded for (b) (ii) =

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 7

Example candidate response – high, continued Examiner comments

4 The candidate draws a graph

Mark awarded for (c) = 3 out of 4

Mark awarded for (d) (i) =

6 The method is clearly shown on

Mark awarded for (d) (ii) =

Total mark awarded =

How the candidate could have improved the answer

The graph line should have been a best-fit straight line.

8 Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Example candidate response – middle Examiner comments

1 The candidate measures and

Mark awarded for (a) =

2 The values of extension have

Mark awarded for (b) (i) =

3 3 The candidate’s suggestion is

Mark awarded for (b) (ii) =

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 9

Example candidate response – middle, continued Examiner comments

4 The candidate draws a graph

Mark awarded for (c) =

5 Extension has been calculated

Mark awarded for (d) (i) =

6 The candidate does not take a

Mark awarded for (d) (ii) =

Total mark awarded =

How the candidate could have improved the answer

The graph line should have been a best-fit straight line.

10 Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Example candidate response – low Examiner comments

Mark awarded for (a) (i) =

1 2 The candidate does not

2 Mark awarded for (b) (i) =

3 The candidate makes a

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 11

Example candidate response – low, continued Examiner comments